Parachute Packing Tool Radial Groove O-Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tools for packing parachutes face the challenge of the removable end of the pull-up cord slipping off the handle due to friction when passing through the grommets, requiring substantial force and leading to inefficiency and fatigue in the packing process.
Innovation Solution
A wider radial groove with an 'O' ring or compressible material is used to securely hold the spliced eye of the pull-up cord, preventing it from slipping off while allowing easy removal when needed, by wedging the cord between the 'O' ring and the groove edge, providing a pinching action that maintains grip during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radial groove is used to hold the pull-up cord on the handle, then the cord can be easily attached and removed, but the cord slips off the handle during use due to friction and pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The groove cross-section is changed from a simple radial groove to a specific geometry with angled sides (approximately 45 degrees from the radial direction). This parameter change in groove shape creates a self-locking mechanism where the cord, when pulled at an angle, generates friction and normal forces that prevent it from slipping off, while still allowing easy attachment and removal when pushed into place
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling force that was causing the cord to slip off is converted into a beneficial self-locking mechanism. When the cord is pulled during use, the angled groove geometry transforms this harmful slipping force into normal forces against the groove walls, generating friction that secures the cord in place
2Productivity
If substantial pulling force is applied to pull the closing loop through the grommets, then the parachute can be properly packed, but the packer experiences fatigue and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The angled groove acts as an intermediary mechanical advantage system. By converting the pulling force into self-locking normal forces through its geometry, it reduces the effective force the packer must apply while maintaining control over the cord, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents the pull-up cord from slipping off the handle during the packing process, enhancing efficiency and reducing fatigue by ensuring the cord remains captive until the closing pin is inserted, thus improving the speed and ease of closing the parachute flaps.
Implementation Method 1
A wider radial groove with an 'O' ring or compressible material is used to securely hold the spliced eye of the pull-up cord, preventing it from slipping off while allowing easy removal, employing a pinching action that maintains the cord captive during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool to aid with pulling a closing loop cord through grommets in closing flaps on a parachute container. The cord is looped in a “U” shaped arrangement with two pulling “legs” of equal length being wrapped around a handle to provide a better grip. Only one leg of the cord can be permanently attached to the handle as the other leg must be removable for fishing through the grommets. The handle must have a diameter to permit passage through the eye of the grommet with the two legs of the cord trailing behind. With existing handles, the removable end of the cord slides off the end of the handle when passing through the grommet. An “O” ring placed on one or both ends of a radial groove in the handle holds the cord captive when passing the handle through the grommets to prevent the cord from sliding off.